Comparison: 2021 Audi A4 Allroad vs. 2021 Volvo V60 Cross Country

2021 Audi A4 Allroad 45 TFSI Komfort Quattro S tronic

Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $50,500 CDN

Pros
•    Powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain
•    Excellent Quattro AWD system
•    Roomy rear cargo hold

Cons
•    Some safety features are optional
•    Regular A4 Avant wagon not available

2021 Audi A4 Allroad Highlights 

The 2021 Allroad is the only version of the Audi A4 Avant compact station wagon imported into Canada. It joins the larger A6 Allroad in Audi's two-prong wagon lineup. For 2021, the A4 Allroad now has 261 horsepower (up from 248 last year) and 273 pound-feet of torque, courtesy of a new belt-driven 12-volt mild-hybrid system used in all 2021 Audi A4s. The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine teams with a standard 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Apart from that, the 2021 Audi A4 Allroad remains much the same: a raised wagon that blends the amenities and plush ride quality of a luxury sedan with the utility of a compact wagon and the adventurous spirit of an SUV.

Like other Audis, the 2021 Audi A4 Allroad is sporty, comfortable, and efficient, and its tech-forward interior features a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The A4 Allroad's interior is a welcome environment with Audi's expectedly high quality and design level. What's more, we continue to enjoy the MMI infotainment system, the large 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the standard panoramic sunroof. While the 5-passenger station wagon's back seat is not especially roomy, there is a respectable 685 litres of cargo space behind the 40/20/40-split rear bench.

Standard Quattro all-wheel drive, together with 17 centimetres of ground clearance, makes for an A4 Allroad that is your ally on snowy or muddy roads. Drive Select lets the driver choose among Comfort, Dynamic, Auto, Individual and Offroad. The A4 Allroad's standard adaptive suspension automatically adjusts for the selected driving mode.

2021 Volvo V60 Cross Country

Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $50,900 CDN

Pros
•    Authentic Swedish design inside and out
•    Excellent tow rating
•    Plenty of safety gear standard

Cons
•    Touch screen interface slow and unintuitive
•    Some trim and details feel cheap

2021 Volvo V60 Cross Country Highlights

Unlike Audi, Volvo offers more variety for wagon buyers. In addition to the semi-off-road V60 Cross Country, buyers can choose from the base, front-wheel-drive $46,900 CDN V60 Momentum and all-wheel-drive $55,550 CDN V60 R-Design and $57,100 CDN V60 Inscription trims. 

All 2021 V60 Cross Country models use a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine making 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That output is delivered to all four wheels via an AWD system connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. As such, the Volvo wagon can tow up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms).

Inside, the V60 Cross Country is fitted with highly supportive and well-bolstered front sport seats with leather upholstery. The cockpit is a straight-up S60/V60 with Volvo’s vertical touchscreen that takes some time to get the hang of. There’s still plenty of traditional buttons and knobs for the hidebound, including a volume knob and unique roller selector to choose the various drive modes that range from Economy to Off-Road. In between, there’s Dynamic, Comfort and All-Wheel Drive.

As the V60 Cross Country is a compact, rather than the larger, mid-size Volvo V90 Cross Country wagon, three persons are somewhat of a tight fight across the rear bench. However, behind the rear seats, the cargo area opens up to a generous 685 litres of space.

Final Recommendation

The 2021 Audi A4 Allroad and the 2021 Volvo V60 Cross Country are great alternatives if you are looking for a more efficient and refined driving experience over a typical luxury SUV. As direct competitors that have battled in the marketplace for some time, there’s little to distinguish this pair of luxury AWD station wagons regarding size and performance. 

If you prefer the Volvo’s unique Swedish style, standard safety equipment, and excellent-for-the-class tow rating, the 2021 Volvo V60 Cross Country will make a great choice. But with its more powerful-yet-fuel-efficient engine, roomy rear cargo hold and more responsive Quattro AWD on hand for dicey Canadian driving conditions, we’d recommend the Audi wagon as our luxury SUV alternative.